We're hiring! Click here for more info.
We are open Monday-Wednesday from 9am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday from 9am-10pm and Sunday from 9am-7pm. Curbside pickup orders are open daily from 10am-6:30pm.
The Art of Craft Distilling Small Batch Spirits Explained |
![]() |
![]() For a long time, big players in the spirits industry have dominated the market. Names like Absolut, Bacardi, Jack Daniel’s, and other well-known brands were all you could find on the shelves of liquor stores. While these alcohol giants still play a major role in the spirits industry, several lesser-known brands are making noise. Craft distilling and small-batch liquors is a booming movement in the world of spirits distillation. Those unfamiliar may be wondering what craft distilling and small batch spirits mean exactly. Here, Joe Canal’s explains these terms so customers throughout Lawrenceville, New Jersey, can make more informed decisions the next time they enter a liquor store. What Is Craft Distilling?Craft distilling is the production of alcoholic beverages known as craft spirits. The process involves independently owned distilleries using traditional and innovative techniques to create small volumes of high-quality spirits. These techniques include fermenting, distilling, re-distilling, blending, infusing, and warehousing. If you haven’t already heard of draft distilling, chances are you will as it is quickly becoming more and more relevant. This fast-growing niche is outpacing the mainstream spirits market and looks to continue to do so. In 2020, craft spirits made up 4.7% of total spirits sales by volume and 7.1% by value, totaling $6.7 billion. In 2021, those percentages increased to 4.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The craft spirits market is projected to reach a value share of 12% in 2024. The recent surge of the craft spirits craze has caused the number of craft distilleries in the United States to increase rapidly. In 2011, only 455 craft distilleries were around. That number has jumped to 2,753 as of 2023. In addition to the driving interests of craft spirits, this growth is due in part to better approval policies from regulatory bodies, as well as state licensing laws that have recently been loosened in some areas. Craft Distilling QualificationsCraft distilled spirits are produced to reflect the vision of their principal distillers. Not just anyone can create a product and label it as a craft spirit to capitalize on the craze. Craft spirits and distilleries must meet specific requirements enforced by the American Distilling Institute (AMI). The criteria set forth by the AMI includes:
Craft Distilling and Different Types of AlcoholCraft distilleries produce a variety of alcohol, providing consumers with premium spirits with unique twists. The various types of craft spirits available include:
In addition to using various techniques to produce small-batch spirits, craft distilleries also use an assortment of ingredients. These ingredients contribute to the spirit’s flavor profile and how it tastes. Some ingredients used to distill craft spirits can include:
Discover More at Joe Canal’sJoe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, has a large selection of spirits, including products from craft distillers. Our staff can recommend small-batch liquors based on your personal preferences. Contact us today to learn more about our spirits selection. |
![]() |
Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Powered by WineFetch |